FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa.- First responders have a difficult job, but the firefighters at Fort Indiantown Gap are well-trained for their unique mission here.
“We’re charged with a huge variety of missions. We have to protect the employees and the facilities on post. We have to be ready to respond to anything from an aircraft fire, to a wildfire,” said Chief Donald Wilson. The firefighters at the installation are constantly training and maintaining their certifications to ensure the safety of those working and training here.
“We have to maintain multiple certifications including HAZMAT, firefighter levels one through four, airport firefighter, driver/operator/pumper, fire officer and instructor. The number of certifications depend on our position,” explained Wilson. Every Department of Defense-run fire station maintains these mandates. An emergency medical technician on each shift allows for the department to respond to medical calls and provide initial care until the patient is transported.
Fort Indiantown Gap has more than 2,000 structures on post, a large swath of forest, airfields, several ponds, lakes and streams, as well as live-fire bombing ranges, small arms ranges and a variety of other training areas. To help protect all of these facilities and personnel, the station has two engines, one brush truck, two aircraft rescue and firefighting trucks, and two boats, along with more than 20 full-time paid firefighters, some are Soldiers, some are state employees and some are federal employees. The firefighters are on-duty in multiple shifts 24/7.
“Our firefighters are well-trained and a great group of people. This is a quality organization with professional standards,” said Wilson. “Many of them also volunteer with local departments.”
As an additional service to surrounding communities, the installation’s fire station has mutual aid agreements with several surrounding municipalities in both Lebanon and Dauphin Counties. The municipalities in Lebanon include: North Annville Township, Union Township, East Hanover Township, Swatara Township and Jonestown Borough. The station also has an agreement with East Hanover Township and West Hanover Township located in Dauphin County. Under these agreements, the installation firefighters are able to respond to emergencies in these townships, and the townships’ volunteer firefighters are able to do the same for the installation.
Last year the installation responded to more than 70 of these calls in local municipalities. “We’re here to help each other,” said Wilson.
The Fort Indiantown Gap Fire Station is known as station #75 for both Lebanon and Dauphin counties showcasing their ability to respond across county lines.
As for the future of the station, “this is a dream job,” said Wilson. “I see positive changes with a great staff.”